This is a continuation of researching past public auction house events to collect and share information about Superman costumes offered for sale historically. These are limited to costumes offered for sale in the marketplace that were attributed to use by Christopher Reeve in the Superman films of the 70s and 80s, with the exception of a few “Superboy” costumes to serve as a reference and point of comparison in appearance and sources, etc.
With this focus, I began with Profiles in History (see “…Part 1“), continued with Christie’s and Bonhams (see “…Part 2“), and include pieces offered by Guernsey’s, Heritage Auction Galleries, American Memorabilia, and R&R Auctions with today’s article.
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Guernsey’s
Guernsey’s “The Pugliese Pop Culture Collection” (March 15-16, 2008)
Description:
Lot 380. Christopher Reeves Costume from “Superman”
Christopher Reeve’s costume worn in both “Superman” (Warner Bros., 1978) and “Superman II” (Warner Bros., 1980). Consisting of a full length blue body suit with the famous red and yellow “S” insignia sewn in and red trunks attached, yellow belt, red cape with yellow “S” insignia sewn on, red leather “Flying” boots with zip-up back closure and velcro flap, and a dark wig.
Sale History: “Lot 380: Profiles In History, June 1999”
Estimate $60,000-$90,000
Photos/Scans:
Click for Higher Resolution: Guernsey’s “The Pugliese Pop Culture Collection” (03/15/08-03/16/08) – Superman Costume
More OPB Coverage: Guernsey’s Pugliese Pop Culture Collection Auction: HD Images from Today Show Feature
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Heritage Auction Galleries
Heritage Auction Galleries Auction #647 – Signature Entertainment/Music Memorabilia Auction, Dallas, TX (April 15, 2007)
Description:
Lot 21073. Christopher Reeve “Superman III” Costume
[Note: See OPB article “Heritage Auction Galleries “Superman III” Costume – Update” for clarification on description, sale status]
Christopher Reeve “Superman III” Costume. Although it’s not one of the more highly regarded entries in the Superman movie canon, Superman III features one of the Man of Steel’s most memorable movie moments, in which Superman is turned evil by synthetic Kryptonite. He eventually splits into two distinct beings, his corrupt doppelganger and mild-mannered Clark Kent, and the two battle each other to the death in a junkyard. This costume, a slightly darker-colored version of the Super-suit, was worn by Reeve in scenes featuring him as said evil twin. (Ironically, the color scheme is similar to that of the redesigned costume worn by Brandon Routh last year in Superman Returns.) The costume is in Excellent condition, and only the boots and belt are missing. Accompanied by LOA from LA Prop & Wardrobe Company.
Sale Information:
Bids: 9
Sold for: $14,340.00
Photos/Scans:
Higher Resolution Archive: Heritage Auction Galleries (April 15, 2007) – Superman III Costume
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American Memorabilia
AmericanMemorabilia.com (December 9, 2004)
Description:
Lot 36. 1978 “Superman” Christopher Reeve Screen Worn Costume
The exhaustive two-year casting call to fill the coveted title role of 1978’s blockbuster tribute to the Man of Steel ended with the selection a relatively unknown actor, the late Christopher Reeve. He bested such cinematic heavyweights as Newman, Redford, Bronson, McQueen, Reynolds, Eastwood and Schwartzenegger. Having had only one film under his, pardon the pun, belt, Christopher Reeve was in retrospect, the perfect choice. He was a young actor with good instincts, looked the part, and was in top physical condition, and made the dual-role of Clark Kent/Superman all the more believable because he came to the project with no baggage or public persona. Tragically, we lost the dynamic Reeve on October 10th of this year to complications stemming from his near-fatal 1995 riding accident. He inspired the world as he proceeded to not only defy the odds and battle back from the devastating accident, but used the sudden and well-publicized handicap as a platform to demand attention and research for other victims of spinal paralysis. Offered is this extremely rare original costume, worn by the filmatic and real-life Superman in the 1978 adaption. It is by far the best and most complete example of the costumes created for the film. Each suit served a different cinematic function, and specific costumes were created for standing, sitting, leaping, flying, or “coming to a landing” scenes. This costume was the “walking version,” as evidenced by a handwritten notaton written in black marker inside the tights stating, “Walking.” On the inside zipper lining of the leotard is another handwritten costumer label stating, “Nathan-Berman,” (a.k.a Berman’s & Nathan’s, world-famous British wardrobe house), the same notation present on another original 1978 Superman costume auctioned by Christie’s in 1991. This costume features four integral parts: 1) the classic scarlet red cape with yellow “S” embroidered with black thread on the back, batting under the neck portion, and two red strings to anchor the cape under the actor’s arms. 2) A bright yellow belt with Velcro fastenings and a separate yellow buckle also attached with Velcro, both in excellent condition. 3) Reeve’s turquoise and red leotard with four belt loops and a red and yellow “S” patch on the front, (NM+), and 4) his turquoise footed leotard pants, also in beautiful original condition. The leotard & tights are on the smaller side to accentuate every bulge and muscle on Christopher Reeve. Lot is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from Super Hollywood, dated May 9, 2000 which states the costume “was personally acquired by me from one of the costumers as a gift.” An 8 x 10 color press photo depicting Reeve in this actual costume is also included with the lot for additional provenance and definitive photo-match. We’re proud to offer this important and truly unique treasure from the history of American film. Up, up, and away!
Authenticators Super Hollywood
Sale Information:
Bids: 4
High Bid: $8,858
Auction Closed: 12/09/2004
Scans/Photos:
Higher Resolution Archive: American Memorabilia (December 9, 2004) – Superman Costume
AmericanMemorabilia.com (June 23, 2005)
Description:
Lot 87. Superman Flying Costume Worn by Christopher Reeve
The exhaustive two-year casting call to fill the coveted title role of 1978’s blockbuster tribute to the Man of Steel ended with the selection a relatively unknown actor, the late Christopher Reeve. He bested such cinematic heavyweights as Newman, Redford, Bronson, McQueen, Reynolds, Eastwood and Schwartzenegger. With only one film in his portfolio, Christopher Reeve was in retrospect, the perfect choice. He was a young actor with good instincts, looked the part, and was in top physical condition. Furthermore, he made the dual-role of Clark Kent/Superman all the more credible because he came to the project with no baggage of public persona. Tragically, we lost the dynamic Reeve on October 10th of this year to complications stemming from his debilitating 1995 accident. He inspired the world as he proceeded to not only defy the odds and battle back from the devastating accident, but he used the sudden and well-publicized handicap as a platform to demand attention and research for other victims of spinal paralysis. Offered is this original costume, worn by the filmatic and real-life Superman in the 1978 adaptation. It is by far the best and most complete of the costumes created for the film. Each suit used in the filming served a separate cinematic function, and specific costumes were created for standing, sitting, leaping, flying, or “coming-to-a-landing” scenes. This costume was of the “flying” ilk. It features four integral parts: 1) the classic scarlet red cape with a yellow “S” embroidered with black thread on the back, batting under the neck portion, and two red strings to anchor the cape under the actor’s arms. 2) A bright yellow belt with Velcro fastenings and a separate yellow buckle, also attached with Velcro, both in excellent condition. 3) Reeve’s turquoise-and-red leotard with four belt loops and a red and yellow “S” patch on the front (NM+), and 4) his turquoise footed leotard pants, also in beautiful original condition. The leotard tights are on the smaller side to accentuate every bulge and muscle on Christopher Reeve. We’re proud to offer this important and truly unique treasure from the history of American film. Up, up, and away!
Authenticators: Costumers Letter
Sale Information:
Bids: 8
High Bid: $3,897
Auction Closed: 06/23/2005
Scans/Photos:
Higher Resolution Archive: American Memorabilia (June 23, 2005) – Superman Flying Costume
AmericanMemorabilia.com (July 19, 2007)
Description:
Lot 65. Superman Costume Worn by Christopher Reeves in Superman Movies w/LOA
The exhaustive two-year casting call to fill the coveted title role of 1978’s blockbuster tribute to the Man of Steel ended with the selection a relatively unknown actor, the late Christopher Reeve. He bested such cinematic heavyweights as Newman, Redford, Bronson, McQueen, Reynolds, Eastwood and Schwartzenegger. Having had only one film under his, pardon the pun, belt, Christopher Reeve was, in retrospect, the perfect choice. He was a young actor with good instincts, looked the part, and was in top physical condition, and made the dual-role of Clark Kent/Superman all the more believable because he came to the project with no baggage or public persona. Tragically, we lost the dynamic Reeve to complications stemming from his near-fatal 1995 riding accident. He inspired the world as he proceeded to not only defy the odds and battle back from the devastating accident, but used the sudden and well-publicized handicap as a platform to demand attention and research for other victims of spinal paralysis.
Offered is this extremely rare original costume, worn by the film-attic and real-life Superman in the 1978 adaptation. It is by far the best and most complete example of the costumes created for the film. Each suit served a different cinematic function, and specific costumes were created for standing, sitting, leaping, flying, or “coming to a landing” scenes. This costume is the blue “walking version” suit. A flying suit would be a green toned costume that would contrast with the blue-screen used for the movies special effects.
This costume features four integral parts: 1) the classic scarlet red cape with yellow “S” embroidered with black thread on the back, batting under the neck portion, and two red strings to anchor the cape under the actor’s arms. 2) A bright yellow belt with Velcro fastenings in excellent condition. 3) Reeve’s blue and red leotard with four belt loops and a red and yellow “S” patch on the front, (NM+), and 4) his blue footed leotard pants, also in beautiful original condition. The leotard & tights are on the smaller side to accentuate every bulge and muscle on Reeve’s frame. Christopher Reeve’s filmed four Superman features. We were informed that this costume was from Reeve’s final Superman film entiled “Superman IV.” This would make this exceptional costume on of the last costume he wore in his most memorable role. We’re proud to offer this important and truly unique treasure from the history of American film. Up, up, and away!
LOA Information:
Super Hollywood
2071 Galahad Dr. Deltona, FL 32738
Armando AlvarezJune 26, 2006
To Whom It May Concern:
This Chris Reeve costume is an authentic Superman costume created for Mr. Christopher Reeve for the Superman movies of the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. It is one of many created for the Superman movies. Superman was produced by Ilya and Alexander Salkind. The Movie Superman spawned various sequels. It was obtained from the head costumer who worked for the Salkinds and given to me as a gift. The above is true and correct.
Sincerely,
Armando Alvarez
President
Super Hollywood
Sale Information:
Bids: 15
High Bid: $3,421
Auction Closed: 07/19/2007
Scans/Photos:
Higher Resolution Archive: American Memorabilia (July 19, 2007) Superman Costume
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R&R Auctions
R&R Auctions (June 19, 2001)
Description:
1489. Superman: Christopher Reeve
One of the original Superman flying costumes worn in one of the Superman films by Christopher Reeve. Teal green suit consists of a one piece long-sleeve unitard and red tights, teal pants, and of course the long flowing red cape. The accompanying belt is a replica, but made true to the original. The color of the costume is teal due to the fact that all flying scenes were shot against a blue screen, and color corrected during post production. In fine condition. Includes a Certificate of Authenticity from Superman film expert Armando Alvarez. See the outside back cover for a full color image.
(MB $4000)
Scans/Photos:
Higher Resolution Archive: R&R Auctions (June 19, 2001) – Superman Flying Suit
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Supplemental
Note: The following is not an auction house archive but a former public offering from a well-known prop dealer, which was not noted in prior articles.
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The Williams Collection / Bedlum.net
The Williams Collection / Bedlum.net (July 17, 2006)
Description:
COMPLETE SUPERMAN OUTFIT
Only but a few people can say that they have a complete outfit from SUPERMAN. This is one of those few that still exist. they only made 25 outfits and a little more then half that number in belts and boots. Also there are those DUMB people who get a cape or a tunic and cut it up into swatches and sell it. Because of these people the numbers get smaller all the time. you can go on ebay/ movie wardrobe and find some cutting of a SUPERMAN cape or tunic. if not wait 10 days and look again. Its a shame what some people will do with true history. These are the kind of people that would sell the great wall of china brick by brick or cut up “whistlers mother” is they had the chance.
Well this is a true piece of film and comic book history. The #1 most recognized Superhero costume in the world is..SUPERMAN!!!!!!!!TUNIC AND CAPE:
Tunic without snaps, red yellow “S” shield with red attached trunks. Matching BLue legging’s
both with the original Costumers number *****103611. Red cape with snaps and yellow shield with black outline. Used by My Reeve in the 1978 movie SUPERMAN. comes from Anna Mungia who assisted Salkinds productions in the adventures of Superboy Tv series. As a model for the superboy costume, she was given access to the Original SUPERMAN costumes of Berman’s of England. This costume was given as a gift. Comes with FULL paperwork from Anna Mungia who was the Creative Costume Designer.Profiles in History sold a SUPERMAN 3 outfit on Dec 16th 2005 from Anna. This profiles outfit had REPO boots and belt and sold for 27,500.00. lot number 6578147457. I have a copy of that auction that comes with the piece. My outfit is complete with NO REPO’S. This outfit has the same Anna Mungia paperwork that the Profiles outfit had.
Screenused Is selling a superman 3 outfit with repo cape and belt and boots for $79,000.00 It has WB paperwork
7/4/06BELT AND BOOTS
The Belt has its ID number on it and the buckle is removable. the belt shows its age with some cracking in the
yellow paint.
The boots have the original DI Fabrizio label inside They show small signs of ware in the front of the toe.
but have been kept in awesome condition. No age cracking in the leather. the bottoms show signs of ware.
The best condition boots I have ever seen. These boots are RED on the bottom. These boots where more then likely used on the sound stage ONLY and where not used for the outside scene. those boots where black on the bottom.
Red bottomed boots are the rarest of the boots as most were black on the bottoms.
These 2 pieces comes from a crew woman who owned them. paperwork included with her name.DISPLAY
A male Maniquin is included.
Scans/Photos:
Higher Resolution Archive: The Williams Collection (July 17, 2006) – Complete Superman Outfit
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Jason De Bord
Additional Related Articles: Market Watch | Superman